Mental healthcare under the spotlight

This year, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an association that has the full support of the ICPA, created awareness about how chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases can impact on a patient's mental health.

Sham Moodley, ICPA chairperson says: "Thirty years ago, mental health was something people associated with institutions and there were many misconceptions about it. Today, we have organisations such as SADAG offering information and the support that patients need in order to receive the best mental healthcare available. The various treatment options have also developed immensely over the years with regard to psychiatric treatment and of course, medicine."

Early diagnosis is important

Moodley says that the role of the independent community pharmacist is invaluable when it comes to the support offered to patients receiving their chronic medication from pharmacies. "Statistics indicate that patients with chronic conditions are at risk of developing depression or related illnesses." The community pharmacists, who generally know their patients well, are in a good position to make sure that the patient understands the side-effects when they collect their chronic medication and importantly the possible effect of any other medication that the patient might be taking.

As with any chronic illness, early diagnosis and sticking to prescribed treatment is really important when it comes to mental healthcare. The same goes for the support that patients receive and have access to. "Our members, all independent pharmacies, many of which can be found in rural areas, play an important role in helping to reduce the risk of chronic conditions extending to more serious mental health conditions," says Moodley.